Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Guy Opperman and Stephen Kerr

Monday 13th May 2019 Commons Chamber

[Stephen Kerr (Stirling) (Con)]

For clarity, can the Minister confirm that the Scottish Government have power under section 24 of the Scotland Act to top up reserve benefits, including for anyone affected by future changes to mixed-age couples’ benefits?

[Guy Opperman]

I thank my hon. Friend for giving me the chance to clarify that sections 24 and 26 of the Scotland Act enable the Scottish Government to make top-up or discretionary payments to any person in Scotland who is in receipt of any reserved UK Government benefit. Put simply, the ball is in the Scottish Government’s court.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Guy Opperman and Stephen Kerr

Monday 18th March 2019 Commons Chamber

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Guy Opperman)]

The Government will not be revisiting the state pension age arrangements for women born in the 1950s who are affected by the Pensions Act 1995, the 2007 Act, introduced by the Labour Government, or the 2011 Act, introduced by the coalition. A High Court ruling on this matter will proceed to a full hearing on 5 and 6 June, so further comment would be inappropriate.

[Stephen Kerr (Stirling) (Con)]

Is my right hon. Friend’s Department holding up the transfer of welfare powers to the Scottish Government?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Guy Opperman and Stephen Kerr

Monday 15th October 2018 Commons Chamber

[Guy Opperman]

There is extensive engagement with the various organisations, and the Department is working hard to ensure there is full support for the disabled claimant, whether that is through the severe disability premium or our recently announced universal support fund.

[Stephen Kerr (Stirling) (Con)]

7. What assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the advice and support offered to recipients of universal credit in Scotland.